We had the opportunity to sit down with Martin Helseth, an accomplished Olympic rower representing Norway in the Paris 2024 Olympics, who has also made a name for himself in environmental activism. Beyond his dedication to the sport, Martin is passionate about preserving the oceans through his freediving plastic cleanup initiatives, having collected over 47,000 kg of plastic from the sea. In this interview, we dive into his Olympic journey, the challenges of balancing intense training with environmental work, and his advice for young athletes aspiring to make a difference in both sports and environmental activism.
Congratulations on representing Norway in rowing at the Paris Olympics! How did it feel returning to such a big stage for the second time?
Thank you very much! It was a very special experience. As an athlete who used to compete in front of mostly family and friends, it was very special to know the world was watching on TV, and 30 000 people at the venue. It was also a big contrast between competing in Paris and at the covid games in Tokyo in 2021. I'm so happy I got to experience it!
What was the most challenging part of preparing for the Olympics, and how did you stay motivated?
The road to the games was very bumpy, and I did not know if I was going to compete until I got a spot in the double less than two months before torch was lit. During the spring I competed in all the different boat types with many different teammates aiming for the same qualification spot as me. I find the challenge of being teammates, competitors and roommates at the same very challenging. I guess we can draw many parallels to the reality shows we see on TV.
Freediving to collect plastic is an incredible initiative. What inspired you to start doing this?
I've been a freediver all my life as I grew up in Ålesund on the western coast of Norway. I've always been fascinated by the ocean.I feel a strong connection to the sea, and I felt upset every time I found trash floating around. So I started bringing some of it back to shore every time I went free-diving or spearfishing. It felt very good, so I figured I should do more of it. I live in Oslo, where the Fjord is severely polluted, so for me it feels like the only right thing to do while free-diving there. I really enjoy bringing others to join me in the water so they also can get a stronger connection to the sea and witness the beauty and the challenges first hand.
You’ve collected an impressive 47, 315 kg of trash so far. What has been the most surprising or shocking thing you’ve found while diving?
We find everything that surrounds us within our everyday life. So the list of strange items is very long. Some of the highlights (or more lowpoints(?)) include an unopened bottle of vodka, garden furniture, sex toys, a sheep head, tonnes of car tires, 20 bikes under a bridge, many car registration plates (insurance fraud), Lost fishing gear still fishing (ghost fishing gear), and lobsters entangled in fishing line.
How do you balance the intense training schedule of an Olympic rower with your passion for freediving?
For me, free-diving means time off. Time off from chasing performance. Time off from everyday life. Time off from tasks, and more room for reflection. I find peace in the sea and I believe I become a better version of myself after a free-diving session. I also teach more free-diving courses during the off season.
What advice would you give to young athletes who want to make a difference in the world, both in sports and in environmental activism?
I think getting in touch with organisations or athletes you like is a good start. Getting together to do something positive is typically easier to start alone. It might also help you in the sponsorship market, if you get involved in something you really care for. Many athletes can use their big platforms to create positive change. Many sports organisations have good options as well. If you're an athlete wanting to find your path in the green jungle, please reach out to me on instagram. @martinhelseth
Looking back at both your rowing career and your environmental work, what makes you the proudest?
This is a tough one. It's often easiest to just mention the world cup medals or the numbers of Olympics I've competed in. But I think the real answer might be to think of all the people I've met through my sport and inspired to think it's cool to go get their hands dirty at a cleanup somewhere.
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From competing at the highest level in rowing to making a significant impact on the environment through his ocean cleanups, Martin’s story is both inspiring and thought-provoking. His advice for young athletes serves as a reminder that sports can be a powerful platform for positive change. We thank Martin for sharing his experiences and wish him continued success, both in his rowing career and his environmental efforts.
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